The introduction of a national minimum wage in Namibia is a landmark in the country’s economic and social journey. While its implementation poses challenges for businesses in the short-term, the long-term benefits for the economy, communities, and social equity far outweigh these initial hurdles. This policy is not merely a mandate, but a strategic investment...
Land remains at the core of economic, social and political struggles in southern Africa. The historical dispossession of land from black communities during colonial and apartheid rule created deep-rooted structural inequalities that persist today (Werner, 1993). The recent signing of South Africa’s Expropriation Bill by president Cyril Ramaphosa has reignited debates on land reform, economic...
An Italian political scientist Leonardo Morlino recognised a ‘good democracy’ as one that presents “a stable institutional structure that realises the liberty and equality of citizens through the legitimate and correct functioning of its institutions and mechanisms”. A sort of “legitimated regime” that seeks to completely satisfy its citizenry. Our democracy has been tested. The...
It is hard to believe that more than a year has passed since Namibia’s third president, Dr Hage Geingob, passed away unexpectedly. His death is Namibia’s loss, and certainly a loss that I personally feel every day. When I worked as his economic advisor in State House, the former president inspired, challenged and helped me...
Namibia, akin to numerous other nations, is progressing towards a more authentic multiparty democracy. Certain democratic factions are contesting the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN), opposing the ruling party that triumphed in the 2024 Presidential and National Assembly elections. These factions assert their entitlement to steer the nation towards a more favourable trajectory, while simultaneously...
On 30 October 2024, the minister of finance tabled the mid-term budget review. In it, he provided additional relief in mitigating the effects of climate change by availing an additional N$698.8 million for drought relief. To date, more than N$1 billion has been spent by the government to attenuate the effects of climate change on...
I write not only in defence of Prof Amupanda, but I believe my silence in the midst of injustice may render me guilty of not having taken a stand when fellow Namibians rights are being violated. Herein, I take full personal responsibility for this writing – a responsibility, I believe must facilitate genuine public debates....
The redline issue has been one of the biggest talking points on social media, with Namibian users divided on whether the fence should remain or be removed. But what emerges from these debates is truly alarming. These intense debates reveal that Namibia is a nation divided by the redline. Its ongoing presence has not only...
“Doing the same thing and expecting different results” is a phrase often used to describe the idea of repeating the same actions without changing your approach while hoping for a different outcome. It is insanity, according to Albert Einstein. With the national results for Grade 11 and Advanced Subsidiary (AS) out, the most notable thing...
The idea of inflicting “strategic defeats” on Russia has been the cornerstone of US policy for a long time. It transcends party lines, and is implemented regardless of which administration occupies the White House. The only real differences lie in the methods used to achieve this objective. In this era of global transformation, Moscow must...